Connellsville church offering apple dumplings
The Connellsville United Presbyterian Church is preparing for its annual Apple Dumpling Sale. Preparing apple dumplings are Barbara Striner (left) and Janet Driscoll.
The Connellsville United Presbyterian Church is preparing for it annual Apple Dumpling Sale. Larry Schmidle runs dozens of apples through a peeler before other volunteers add the secret ingredients for the popular dessert.
John F. Brothers/HeraldStandard.com
The Connellsville United Presbyterian Church is preparing for its annual Apple Dumpling Sale. Rolling out the dough for hundreds of apple dumplings is Gail Schmidle.
The Connellsville United Presbyterian Church is preparing for its annual Apple Dumpling Sale. Sandi Grimaldi watches her granddaughter, Rylee Johnson, 5, adds sugar and cinnamon to an apple dumpling.
CONNELLSVILLE 鈥� A tradition that began more than 30 years ago to help the Connellsville Area Historical Society carry out its tasks and more recently, the Connellsville Presbyterian Church further its missions, is under way.
Each Tuesday through Friday morning through Aug. 26, volunteers are gathering at the Green and South Pittsburgh streets church to assemble, bake and sell apple dumplings.
鈥淲e鈥檙e in the thick of it now,鈥� said Karen Hechler, a veteran of the annual endeavor.
The recipe for the famous dumpling is a secret. However, the church members will sell several thousand within the next three weeks.
鈥淭hey are very popular with many families,鈥� said Hechler.
Society member and noted 鈥済reat baker鈥� Mary Thornburg is credited with formulating the recipe.
鈥淪he made delicious apple dumplings at her home and carried them over to the former Connellsville Armory so that they could be sold to patrons of the society鈥檚 antiques and craft show,鈥� said Hechler. 鈥淭hey were a big hit.鈥�
When the church began looking for ways to raise money, members looked no farther than Thornburg and with her consent began using her apple dumpling recipe for its fund raising event.
The proceeds have allowed for several improvements at the church and enabled the members to assist in its missionary work.
This year, the money will be used to repair the church roof, said Hechler.
The apple dumplings are $3 each. While not required, advance orders are recommended, especially if it is for a dozen or more.
鈥淚f the signs are out on the street, we have apple dumplings available to sell,鈥� said Hechler. 鈥淚f there are no signs, we are fulfilling orders.鈥�
She cautions that Friday sales are usually brisk as families prepare for the weekend activities that include the famous desserts.
鈥淚f you want them for the weekend, I would advise calling by Thursday,鈥� she said.
Orders can be made by calling 724-628-4401 or 724-628-3704.